15:09 November 22, 2012ArticleComments Off on Talks tomorrow ahead of Interislander ferry strike

Article – BusinessDesk

Nov. 22 (BusinessDesk) – KiwiRail’s Interislander ferry business will enter mediation with unions on Friday to try to avert a strike that will halt ferry sailings for a week in December.

Talks tomorrow ahead of Interislander ferry strike

By Pam Graham

Nov. 22 (BusinessDesk) – KiwiRail’s Interislander ferry business will enter mediation with unions on Friday to try to avert a strike that will halt ferry sailings for a week in December.

As occurred with Auckland bus drivers, members of the Aviation and Marine Engineers Association (AMEA) and Merchant Services Guild (MSG) have not ratified an agreement reached between the company and the unions.

KiwiRail has said all Interislander ferry sailings will be suspended from December 1 to December 8 due to the strike.

KiwiRail chief executive Jim Quinn said on Thursday that the strike would have a severe impact on New Zealand’s supply chain at a vital time of the year.

Interislander general manager Thomas Davis earlier said that it was disappointing to receive a strike notice on November 16, rather than a request to return to mediation. AMEA represents 70 engineering officers and MSG represents 54 deck officers.

“If the strike proceeds it will affect about 14,000 passengers and 4,000 cars. About 1,200 rail wagons and a similar number of trucks will also be disrupted,” Quinn said. “Our major freight customers have advised that they are already making alternative plans for their cargo.”

He said the Interislander immediately sought to arrange timely mediation between all parties, and was disappointed to learn that the unions would not be available to engage in mediation until Nov. 23.